Welcome back to Daily Bread! Ready to share another great Old Testament Bible story? Let me ask you a question first. Have you ever been tricked by someone, and when you found out that you were deceived, you just couldn't believe that you didn't see it coming? This story is a great example of how you can't trust just anyone, and that you should always ask the Lord's guidance.

When the kings residing on the west side of Jordan heard about what befell the cities of Jericho and Ai, they got together and planned to fight against Israel together ... Y'know, the "strength in number" theory, and all that. But when the people of Gibeon, which were the Hivites, feared the same trouble to be upon themselves shortly (because the intent for Israel to possess all of Canaan was no secret), they determined among themselves to avoid their obvious calamity by clever means.

GIBEON BIBLE STORY LESSON WITH GIBEON BIBLE STORY EXPLANATION AND GIBEON BIBLE STORY SUMMARY

So, disguised as ambassadors from a "far country", they approached Joshua and professed that they had heard about God's reputation and all that He did for them in Egypt as well as to Sihon and Og, the kings of the Amorites. Furthermore, they convinced Joshua and the princes of Israel that the elders and people of their "far off country" wished to be servants to such a great people as Israel, who had such favor with God, so they requested a league of friendship with them, and without asking the counsel of the Lord first, Joshua made peace and a league (agreement) with them, to let them live, and the they gave their word to it.

After three days, the children of Israel discovered that the imposters were in fact Canaanites that lived in their Promised Land in the cities of Gibeon, Chephirah, Beeroth, and Kirjathjearim. 

Israel could not evict them, since they swore to them by the Lord ... But you better believe that the congregation wasn't very happy with the princes of Israel about the whole matter. Then to appease the anger of the congregation, the princes said to the people, Let them be servants to us ... Like they requested. So Joshua addressed the Hivites and said, Because you beguiled us, saying you were from a far country, when in fact you dwell among us, you will be cursed, and none of you will be freed from being servants and cutters of wood and drawers of water for the people of God.

GIBEON BIBLE STORY INFORMATION WITH GIBEON BIBLE STORY MEANING AND GIBEON BIBLE STORY DISCUSSION

But the Hivites figured it was better than the demise they would have certainly come to, if they hadn't done this, so they said, We're in your hands, do whatever you think is best with us.

More great adventure ahead, so join Daily Bread again as we find out what's next in the Book of Joshua.